A fisherman called Simon, given the name Peter — “the rock.” His story is told in three parts: the day he said yes, the night he walked on water, and the morning the rooster crowed and Jesus forgave him three times.
Story 1: The Fisherman Who Said Yes
Before anyone called him “Saint,” before anyone called him “Peter,” he was just a fisherman named Simon. He lived by the big, beautiful sea, and every day he rose before the sun to fish. Some days were good. Some days were not. But Simon always tried his best.
One morning, after fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus walked along the beach. “Could I sit in your boat for a little while?” He asked kindly. He taught the people from the water, and then He told Simon: “Let’s go out into the deep. Let down your nets again.” Simon obeyed — and the nets came up so full of fish the boat almost sank!
“Lord,” Simon whispered, kneeling, “I’m not good enough for this.” Jesus smiled. “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you won’t just catch fish. You’ll catch hearts.” Simon left his boat, his nets, and everything, and followed. Jesus gave him a new name: Peter — the rock.
Story 2: The Day Peter Walked on Water
One stormy night, Peter and the disciples were in a boat on a wild sea. Suddenly they saw someone walking on the water! “Take heart! It is I,” the figure called. “Don’t be afraid.” It was Jesus.
“Lord, if it’s really You,” Peter cried, “tell me to come to You on the water.” Jesus smiled. “Come.” Peter took a deep breath and stepped over the side of the boat — and walked! But the wind howled, and Peter took his eyes off Jesus. He started to sink. “Lord! Save me!” he shouted. And right away, Jesus reached out and caught his hand.
Story 3: The Rooster and the Tears
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave Peter a warning: “Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know Me.” Peter shook his head. “Never!” But that night, when Jesus was arrested, Peter was afraid. Three times people said, “You were with Him!” And three times Peter said, “No. I don’t know Him.”
Then a rooster crowed. Peter froze. He ran out into the night and wept big, quiet tears. But after Jesus rose from the dead, He met Peter again, and asked him three times: “Peter, do you love Me?” Three yeses to undo three denials. Mercy is always waiting.
Thought for the heart. Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be perfect. He just asks us to say “yes.” And when we fall, He never lets go.
A child’s prayer. Dear Saint Peter, thank you for following Jesus even when you were unsure. Help me to listen when He calls my name. When I fall, please help me get back up. Amen.
Journey with Mary, Path to Jesus 